Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.
Make the most of early season skiing
Enjoy an early season ski break this year
Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.
The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.
A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.
Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.
Budget Hotels in Tignes
For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.
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Almes 2 Residence
6 luxury apartments sleeping between 6 and 16 people
This residence is ideally located just 200 metres from the ski lifts and a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants in resort.
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Le Refuge Hotel
Historic alpine hotel just 50 metres from the slopes with spa facilities
Located in the centre of Tignes Le Lac, this hotel faces the Grande Motte glacier and the lake, making it ideal for both summer and winter holidays.
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Almes 1 Residence
14 contemporary alpine apartments next to the slopes sleeping between 4 and 12 people
This newly built residence is situated in a great location, just 50 metres from the lift. It is possible to ski back to the door in winter and it is also just a short walk from all local amenities within the resort.
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Inter-Apartment Residence
A apart-hotel in Tignes
All the apartments in the Residence Maeva Inter-Residences have been refurbished, which is less than 200 m from the lively centre of Tignes-Val Claret. This residence with a private swimming pool consists of a single building.
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Le Dome Hotel
Ski-in/ski-out budget hotel in Tignes
Located in a quiet and relaxing village, far from the bustle and crowds, Hotel Le Dome is ideal for all budgets.
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Le Paquis Hotel, Tignes - Le Lac
Traditional family-run hotel in Tignes le Lac
Ideally located in the heart of the resort, close to the main lift departure points, the swimming pool and some of the most popular bars and restaurants.
Nightlife in Tignes
Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.
At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.
Bars & Clubs in Tignes
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La Folie Douce
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps with live music, DJs, dancers and performers
La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
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Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant
Great food and drinks at this ski-in/ski-out location with fantastic outdoor seating on the suntrap terrace
Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant is a welcoming ski-in, ski-out spot located in Tignes Le Lavachet, perfectly placed for a relaxed stop straight from the slopes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and great value, it’s a popular choice with skiers and snowboarders looking for good food and drink without the fuss.
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Couloir Bar and Restaurant
International restaurant and bar in the centre of Val Claret close to the Tufs chairlift
Situated in the main square of Val Claret, only two minutes from the Tufs chairlift, this restaurant serves an international menu and offers live music for après-ski.
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Loop Bar and Restaurant
Lively bar with happy hour and après-ski plus tasty burgers and live sport
The Loop Bar is where food, music, après-ski, and nightlife come together in Tignes. Established in 2007, it enjoys a prime ski-in, ski-out location at the bottom of the Trolles slope in Tignes Le Lac, making it an easy stop straight from the piste.
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Lo Terrachu Bar and Restaurant
Summer lakeside bar and restaurant with beautiful views across Tignes and the lake
Lo Terrachu Bar and Restaurant is a cosy yet lively spot set right on the edge of the lake between Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret. With uninterrupted views across the water and surrounding peaks, it boasts one of the best locations in town, perfect for soaking up the alpine atmosphere at any time of day.
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Ski Lodge Bar
Relaxing hotel bar and lounge with a warming fire place and chic ambience
After an intense day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than unwinding in a warm and welcoming bar, and the Ski Lodge Bar in Tignes is just the place to do it. Located within the Ski Lodge Hotel, this inviting space is designed for relaxed moments and easy-going socialising at the end of the ski day.
Ski Hire in Tignes
At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.
Ski Hire in Tignes
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Tignes Spirit
Quality British ski & snowboard rental with delivery service across Tignes
This is the only independent, British-owned ski and snowboard shop in the Espace Killy.
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Monkey Riders
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Tignes
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Visit websiteSave 5% automatically when you click here to book
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Zato Sports
Hire skis close to bottom of Aeroski gondola in Le Lac
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Tignes? Just visit the Skiset Lavachet - Zato Sports store!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Skiset ski hire discount applied automatically on website visit
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Le Rosset
Ski & snowboard hire in Tignes Le Lac, within easy reach of all the main lifts
Ski & Snowboard Hire in the centre of Tignes Le Lac, on the snow front. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Use Intersport ski hire discount code: STWSKI
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Duch Sport
Ski & Snowboard rental just down from the Palafour & Millonex ski lifts
This store is situated just a stones through from the Palafour lift departure point making it he ideal location to rent skis from in Tignes Le Lac. Oliver and his team will welcome you to the store, and assist your with your rental.
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Ski hire discount applied automatically on website visit
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Centre - Les Platières
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
This ski and snowboard rental shop is situated inside the Platières Residence, just 200 metres from the ski lifts and next-door to the pharmacy.
Visit websiteSave an extra 10%. Book direct + use code: STWSKI
Ski Schools in Tignes
Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.
Ski School Lessons in Tignes
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
Ski school offering private lessons with fully-qualified British instructors
This school is a reputable ski school that was originally set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and is well respected for their off-piste clinics.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
Exceptional private ski and snowboard tuition for all ages and abilities
With this ski school it’s all about having fun! Recognised internationally as one of the best ski schools in the Alps, they continue to develop, bringing technique and pleasure closer together.
Things to do in Tignes
In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.
Things To Do in Tignes
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Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour
2hr guided tour on a quad or buggy from age 17yrs
Explore the mountain paths and take advantage of the wonderful backdrop on one of these 4x4 vehicles.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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